24 - Hour Crisis Line209.577.5980

Shelter Program

Haven’s shelter’s mission is to support survivors seeking safety and healing. We work in partnership with residents to seek ways to increase their safety and begin their individual healing process.

The shelter program is designed to provide a safe place for survivors in danger because of domestic violence, sexual assault, or sex trafficking. The shelter is staffed by trained advocates 24 hours a day. The shelter offers a variety of supportive services including: case management, safety planning, peer counseling, support groups, restraining order assistance, and advocacy. Kids Count, Teens Count, and one on one support is available for children staying in the shelter. All services at the shelter are voluntary, participants get to choose which services will benefit them.

qUESTIONS ABOUT THE sHELTER?

HOW DO I GET INTO THE EMERGENCY SHELTER?

If you are in need of shelter because of domestic violence, sexual assault, or sex trafficking; please call our 24-hour crisis line at (209)577-5980 or 888-45-HAVEN. A trained advocate will complete an assessment over the phone to determine your eligibility.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SHELTER IS FULL?

Please do not hesitate to call our crisis line if you are need of a safe place to stay. When the shelter is full, advocates can assist you with a safety plan, evaluate what options may be available, and assess other ways we may be able to help you get safe.

WHERE IS THE SHELTER LOCATED?

For safety reasons, the shelter is in a confidential location in Stanislaus County. Participants will be asked not to share the location of the shelter.

HOW LONG CAN SOMEONE STAY AT THE SHELTER?

The shelter is a 6 week program.

WHERE DO I GO AFTER 6 WEEKS?

Advocates can help connect participants with available resources to determine what safe housing will look like after their emergency shelter stay. Options may include getting into a new place, increasing the safety of their current home, relocating, or utilizing other shelter and housing services. Each participant determines what available housing options best fit their needs.

WHAT KINDS OF SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT THE SHELTER?

The shelter offers support groups, one-on-one case management, and restraining order assistance. The shelter also offers Kids Count and Teens Count for children staying in the program. Staff are available at the shelter 24 hours a day to provide information, referrals, and crisis intervention. Participation in services is voluntary. Participants are encouraged to utilize services that they feel will be helpful to their safety and healing.

CAN I BRING MY CAR?

Residents are welcome to bring their vehicle with them into the program. Vehicles are kept behind a locked gate for safety.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

We encourage participants to bring any important documents (i.e., identification, birth certificates, social security cards, children’s immunization records, insurance paperwork, court orders, etc.) along with a few changes of clothing and a favorite toy. Storage is very limited at the shelter. Participants are asked not to bring more than a few bags. Food, toiletry items and bed linens are provided.

CAN I GO TO WORK WHILE STAYING AT THE SHELTER?

Haven never requires residents to quit their jobs or take time off work. Many survivors are entitled to employment protections. Advocates can discuss options and assist participants with safety plans. It is always up to the individual whether or not they want to continue working while in the program.

DOES HAVEN PROVIDE CHILDCARE AT THE SHELTER?

Haven staff can only provide childcare during scheduled support groups. Participants are referred to local agencies for assistance, encouraged to use safe friends or family, or can make contracts with other residents for short-term childcare.

WHERE WILL MY CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL?

Children living at the shelter are required to be enrolled in school. Children can stay at their previous school, transfer to another school, or request to be put on temporary independent study.

DOES HAVEN PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION?

Haven does not have the resources to provide transportation. Bus passes may be available for residents on a first come first serve basis.

CAN I BRING MY PETS?

Haven’s shelter does have accommodations for family pets. If you have a cat or dog that you would like to bring with you to the shelter, please notify the advocate during your assessment on the crisis line. We will need some information about your pet(s) and will discuss what you can expect while your companion animal is staying at the shelter. If your family pet is not suitable to stay at the shelter with you, we can connect you with a safe kennel option.